Passengers aboard the Vande Bharat Superfast Express, connecting Vizag and Secunderabad, experienced substantial delays on Thursday, inciting considerable frustration.
The train, known for its expedited service, was delayed by nearly five hours from its departure point in Vizag and faced similar setbacks on its return journey from Secunderabad. Railway authorities attributed the delays to ongoing safety maintenance work in the Vijayawada division, a critical segment of the route. These essential safety operations, while necessary, have significantly impacted the punctuality of the train service, inconveniencing passengers who rely on its promptness.
The Vande Bharat express, originally scheduled to depart from Vizag at 5:45 am, did not leave until around 9 am, leading to a considerably delayed arrival in Secunderabad. The return journey was equally affected, with the departure from Secunderabad rescheduled from 3 pm to 8 pm. Consequently, the train is now expected to reach Vizag at 5 am on Friday, instead of the originally scheduled time of 11:45 pm on Thursday.
One of the affected passengers, Ram Kishore, a software employee, expressed his frustration saying, “The train tested our patience as we reached the station at 5 am to catch the train. We were at the station for four hours for the train to start. We reserved tickets in the train as it is superfast having limited halts.” Despite the immediate inconvenience, railway officials have assured that the Vande Bharat express will run with a reduced delay of three hours from Vizag on Friday. Moreover, they have committed to restoring the regular schedule by Monday, aiming to alleviate the disruptions caused to daily commuters.
The recurring delays underscore the challenges faced by the Indian Railways in balancing necessary infrastructure improvements with the need to maintain reliable service schedules. Passengers are hopeful that the prompt completion of safety works will bring an end to these disruptions, restoring the high standards of service associated with the Vande Bharat express.
